Prokaryotic Cell Membrane Composition

Steps:

• Identify prokaryotic cell surface membrane as a phospholipid bilayer.
• Confirm phospholipids form the basic structure of the membrane.
• Note proteins are integral components embedded in the bilayer for functions like transport.
• Distinguish peptidoglycan as a polymer in the cell wall, not the membrane.

Why B is correct:

• Prokaryotic membranes consist of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, per standard cell biology definitions.

Why the others are wrong:

• A includes peptidoglycan, which is a cell wall component, not membrane.
• C excludes proteins, which are essential membrane elements.
• D excludes phospholipids, the core of the lipid bilayer.

Final answer: B